DUMBARTON have been written-off by most but Graham reckons attention to detail could be key at Pittodrie.

Sons are 8-1 shots but Andy Graham is up for a shock (Photo: SNS Group)

Share

Get daily updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

ANDY GRAHAM reckons Ian Murray’s attention to little details could help Dumbarton pull off the biggest of Scottish Cup shocks.

Dumbarton have been dismissed as 8-1 no hopers by sponsors William Hill when they face high-flying Aberdeen at Pittodrie this weekend.

But Sons boss Murray will leave no stone unturned in his attempt to propel his side into the last four for the first time in 38 years and defender Graham is quietly optimistic of defying the odds.

Murray has revolutionised Dumbarton since taking charge last season and saving them from what appeared certain relegation from the Championship.

Graham said: “The manager does a lot of research on our opponents every week.

“He goes through everything in depth and is meticulous in his preparations. We have punched above our weight and it is down to the preparation.

“He thinks about everything we do from getting the right pre-match meal to giving us packed lunches afterwards to make sure we have the right recovery foods.

“He has also brought in ice baths and loads of other little things.

“But when you put them all together it adds up to a much more professional approach.

“At Dumbarton just now things are probably more professional than a full-time side.

“The management team are definitely destined for bigger things. The gaffer and Jack Ross have been fantastic. I think we will struggle to keep them.”

In the past decade Aberdeen have suffered a string of knockout disasters with Queen’s Park, Queen of the South, Dundee, Raith and Dunfermline all sending them crashing.

Graham is fairly certain those episodes might be a thing of the past now Derek McInnes has taken the reins. But given the number of upsets already this season he still clings to the hope Aberdeen will slip back into their old ways.

He said: “I think those days are gone judging by what they have done this season.

“McInnes has done a fantastic job with them although things can change quickly in football.

“They have had a lot of big games lately and hopefully that will take its toll and play into our hands.

“There is no pressure on us and given how well they have been playing the expectation is all on them. We are hoping that will give us even more of a chance.

“There have been a lot of shocks this season already as not many thought Aberdeen would beat Celtic in the last round.

“Raith proved it as well beating Hibs and Albion Rovers took out Motherwell. Hopefully there will be another one on Saturday.”